In a startling revelation, actor and podcast host Will Arnett has detailed an incident where a "very famous" comedian was abruptly shown the door during a recording of his popular show, SmartLess. The guest's tenure lasted a mere ten minutes before the interview was terminated due to what Arnett described as profoundly unpleasant conduct.
The Abrupt Ejection
Arnett, 55, shared the dramatic account during a recent appearance on The Romesh Ranganathan Show. He explained that the production team made the swift decision to cut the interview short shortly after it began, citing the guest's intolerable behaviour. While Arnett refrained from specifying the exact actions that led to the ejection, he characterised the individual in unequivocal terms.
"One other very famous comedian - who I'll tell you after who is a f**king rank a**hole - recently and we cut him off after 10 minutes and said, 'Thanks so much,' and ditched him," Arnett claimed during the interview. He provided no concrete clues to the mystery guest's identity beyond confirming they are a well-known figure in comedy circles.
Clues and Speculation
Arnett did offer a tantalising hint that has sparked considerable speculation among listeners. "You'll be blown away by who it is... Because you'll be like, 'How did you get Bill Cosby!'" he remarked. This comment, while likely hyperbolic, underscores the guest's significant profile and the surprising nature of the incident.
The Rise of SmartLess
The SmartLess podcast, co-hosted by Arnett alongside Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, has enjoyed remarkable success since its launch in 2020. Conceived initially as a way for the three friends to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the show quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
It rapidly ascended the charts, becoming one of America's most popular podcasts. By 2025, it was ranked sixth in the United States by Apple, trailing only heavyweights like Crime Junkie, The Daily by the New York Times, Dateline NBC, The Joe Rogan Experience, and The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Commercial Success and Acclaim
The podcast's influence was further cemented by a major business deal. In 2023, the three hosts secured a substantial $100 million agreement with Sirius XM, granting the streaming service exclusive rights to distribute and sell advertising for SmartLess and other related programs for a three-year period. This deal, reported by Bloomberg in 2024, highlighted the show's significant commercial value.
Recognition from the industry followed, with SmartLess earning a nomination in the inaugural Best Podcast category at the Golden Globes last month. Ultimately, the award went to Good Hang With Amy Poehler, hosted by Arnett's ex-wife.
Interviewing the Elite
Since its inception, SmartLess has built a hefty following by securing interviews with an impressive array of guests, including world leaders, major music stars, and top Hollywood executives. The show has also staged successful live events, further expanding its reach and audience engagement.
Arnett's Current Projects
Beyond the podcast, Will Arnett remains active in other creative ventures. He stars in the new film Is This Thing On?, a story about marriage and self-discovery loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. The narrative follows Arnett's character, Alex, as he navigates an impending divorce and seeks new purpose within the New York comedy scene, while his wife Tess confronts her own sacrifices and their future as co-parents.
The incident involving the ejected comedian adds a layer of behind-the-scenes drama to the otherwise polished and successful image of the SmartLess enterprise, reminding listeners that not every recording session goes according to plan, even with the most famous of guests.
